Page 40 of Forced By the Bratva

I took a quick shower and dressed in my black jeans. I wore a loose-fitting black shirt that was comfortable and easy to maneuver in should I need to. Heading down, I found Mila and Alyssa waiting in the lobby. The place appeared void of any life; it was way too quiet for an upcoming event.

“Had I missed something, or was the party canceled,” I asked, looking around the lobby.

“Yeah, they moved the location at the last minute,” Mila replied, looking irritated. “But we got the address from one of the staff.”

Walking out, I hailed a cab. Mila gave him the address, and we made our way. Pulling up to the curb, a shiver ran down my spine. Something felt off, but I couldn’t put a finger on it.

After entering the club, I knew why. Mila and Alyssa were walking just ahead of me. Stepping in between them, I took hold of their arms and gently pulled them to a halt.

“Now what's wrong?” Mila asked, pulling out of my grip.

“This is a club for fighters,” I said softly.

Mila glanced around and shook her head before glaring at me. I could see she didn’t believe me. “You’re just trying to put us off our game and mess up our job,” she added angrily.

Before I could respond, someone over at the bar called out. “Piotr, is that you?”

We turned as one to face the man as he approached us. “Damm, it’s been forever saw you the last time. Are you here to fight? Are you getting back into the ring?” He uttered as he slapped me on the shoulder.

“No, no, no,” I responded instantly. He was familiar but I couldn’t place him. Glancing over his shoulder at the crowd seated by the bar, I saw someone I did recognize. Jerman, my trainer, was standing on one side, watching us. My veins filled with ice as my heart froze.

“I got to go,” I breathed out, shaking the man’s hand. Turning, I headed in the other direction as quickly as I could. I would survey the situation and catch up with the girls in a bit. Moving through the crowd, I had to push some people out of my way.

Turning quickly, I raised my fist as a hand grabbed my shoulder. I was ready to knock him to his feet if it was Jerman. Mila and Alyssa stood before me. Alyssa’s eyes were wide in shock. “What the hell, Piotr,” Mila spat at me.

Glancing at the crowd, I saw a couple of Jerman’s men heading in our direction. “I’ve got to go, I might have been made,” I said, turning and heading for the back door.

Leaving them wasn’t part of my plans. But plans change. I needed to lure the men with me and take the focus off the girls. Moving quickly through the streets, I headed back to the hotel. After taking a couple of extra turns, I could go back to the hotel safely as the men following me seemed to have left.

Pacing up and down the room, I wondered if leaving Mila and Alyssa there was such a good idea. Yet, the guys knew me; they had never met Mila. I felt sure things would be fine. As I sat on the bed's edge, the room door flew open, and Mila came storming in.

She was clearly pissed off at me. “You ruined the job. Why did you have to come? Now we have to find another way to get the intel.” She yelled before turning and leaving, slamming the door as she went.

I heard the room door next to me open and shut. I had to make things right; I had to explain. Walking to their door, I wasn’t sure what I could say or do to make things right. But I had to try.

After knocking, I waited for one of them to open the door. Alyssa stood on the other side as she opened the door. “May I come in?” I asked.

She stepped aside without a word. I walked past her and went to Mila, who was packing her things in the bedroom. “Mila,” I said softly, standing in the door. “I’m sorry.” I didn’t want to scare her and couldn’t tell her I saw Jerman, but I had to say something.

“I didn’t know there would be fighters there or that they would recognize me. I am truly sorry. Tell me what to do to fix this, please.”

Mila glanced at me with fire in her eyes. I could feel her anger and stepped back. Leaving the room, I whispered at Alyssa as I left. “I’m sorry, princess.”

She gave me a small smile and closed the door behind me. Once I was all packed, I headed to the lobby and waited for them. Mila just brushed past me as she came out and got into the cab. I assisted Alyssa with her bags, and then we headed back to the plane.

The trip home was even quieter than the one there. Mila and Alyssa weren’t speaking either. I felt annoyed at myself but kept quiet.

At home, I tried to talk to Mila again, but she didn’t want anything to do with me. Standing in the kitchen wondering what to do next, Alyssa came in. “I’m so sorry for messing up the job, I really am, princess,” I said as she came closer.

Alyssa suddenly pulled me into her arms, embracing me. “It’s fine, I can tell something else is also bothering you,” she said softly. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

I placed a tender kiss on her cheek before shaking my head. “I saw a monster back there that brought a lot of memories to mind. But don’t worry, it’s going to be fine.” I felt guilty for bringing this down on them. My guilt worsened as Alyssa hugged me; she was so forgiving.

Chapter 21 - Alyssa

We arrived home late from our mission. Even though it was a bust, I learned a lot. Mila and Piotr were angry at each other, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it. When I woke this morning, Piotr had already left.

My mind wandered as I changed into my light pink summer dress. Smoothing out the sides, I glance at my reflection in the mirror. The dress was a perfect fit, just like we were.

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